Health experts have stressed the urgent need to raise awareness to prevent and manage movement disorders in Bangladesh, as cases continue to rise across all age groups. They shared the insight at a roundtable on World Movement Disorder Day, held on 3 December at the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital (NINS). ACI PLC served as the scientific partner and Kaler Kantho as the media partner.

Prof Kazi Ghias Uddin Ahmed said stroke complications often trigger movement disorders, especially when the basal ganglia sustain damage. He urged physicians to improve diagnostic accuracy, noting that uncontrolled movements may also arise from diabetes-related sugar spikes, which are frequently misdiagnosed as haemorrhage in scans.

Prof Badrul Alam highlighted the challenges in treatment access, including the high cost of MRI and CT scans, long-term medication needs, and shortages of trained medical staff. He said NINS is developing an advanced laboratory with equipment sourced from the United States to enhance diagnosis.

Prof Afzal Momin stressed the importance of genetic testing and counselling, as many movement disorders—such as essential tremor, Wilson’s disease, and hereditary dystonia—stem from inherited conditions. Early diagnosis, he said, can prevent severe, lifelong complications.

Prof Mahmudul Islam outlined plans to expand physician training, awareness campaigns, and international collaborations through the Movement Disorder Society of Bangladesh. He said NINS already treats 60–70 patients weekly at its dedicated clinic.

Several specialists emphasised that not all movement disorders are Parkinson’s disease. Tremor, dystonia, tics, restless leg syndrome, and drug-induced disorders frequently appear across age groups. They warned that widespread misconceptions—such as linking tremor to black magic or assuming the disease only affects the elderly—delay treatment.

Neurosurgeons reported significant progress in advanced procedures, including deep brain stimulation (DBS). Since 2017, Bangladesh has performed nine successful DBS surgeries for Parkinson’s and dystonia patients. However, rising costs remain a major barrier, with devices now priced at Tk25–30 lakh. Even after government subsidies, patients often pay Tk15–20 lakh for surgery.

Industry representatives from ACI pledged long-term support for treatment access, awareness campaigns, and nationwide drug availability. They urged the government to reduce VAT on essential medicines so patients can access long-term therapy at affordable prices.

Experts concluded that comprehensive training, affordable diagnostics, genetic services, modern neurosurgical facilities, and public awareness are essential to improving outcomes for movement disorder patients across the country.